Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that Science, Technology and Innovation remains the main driving force of growth and development in the nation.
Dr. Onu stated this during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Nigeria Science, Technology and Innovation Television in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to the Minister the essence of the medium is to get Nigerians to appreciate the relevance and importance of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to nation building.
He further said that the inniative will make Nigerians to advocate more for effective utilization of STI in making the country attain the level of greatness that the citizens desire.
“The television program will cover every aspect of national life, which includes: Engineering, Health and Medicine, Natural Science, Environment and Wildlife, Science and Society, Agriculture and Children Curiosity among others”
“The Television programme will also focus on Nigeria’s contribution to STI by publishing latest outputs and products from all research institutions and latest STI developments from all over the world” he said.
Dr. Onu emphasised that the Television programme will also showcase how the Nigerian ancestors embrace Science, Technology and Innovation in their daily activities by using locally available materials for their food, Nutrition, Drugs, Medicine and building of houses.
He stressed the importance of knowing the past which will help Nigerian youths to be more creative, inventive, innovative and also help prepare their future to be bright and promising.
The Minister urged the Committee to work conscientiously to achieve all the set objectives.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edet Sunday Akpan, and Chairman of the committee gave the composition of members to include: the Federal Ministry of Education, Environment, Communication and Digital Technology amongst others.
He also gave the terms of Reference of the committee as follows:
· To create framework for content development and production
· Develop the functions/ mandates of Science TV@NG
· To develop different concept notes and business plan for the science television.
· Define the objectives of the scienceTV@NG.
· Propose the special vehicle for the ScienceTV@NG
Emmanuel Ukoh
